Maribou State – Portraits

Review

'Portraits' came out swinging in 2015, marking Maribou State's entry into the big leagues with a sound that's unmistakably their own. These UK electronic wizards knocked it out of the park by weaving those deep guitar licks with some beautifully messy synth work, all riding on breakbeats that hit just right. The British duo created something that feels like a home game advantage – atmospheric enough for headphone sessions but with enough energy to get a crowd moving. Their collaborations are the real MVPs here, especially 'Steal' with Holly Walker and 'Say More' featuring Jono McCleery.

What impresses me most about this debut is how it flows from track to track like a well-executed play. The transitions between those introspective moments and the more uptempo sections show the kind of teamwork you rarely see in first albums. 'Portraits' catapulted Maribou State into the international scene, setting them up for a strong career trajectory afterward. It's the kind of album that appeals across the board – electronic fans will appreciate the production skills, while indie listeners will connect with its emotional depth. This one's aged like a fine wine, folks – still sounds as fresh today as it did when it dropped. - Peter